Keepsake box

ABSTRACT

A keepsake box is disclosed. The keepsake box includes a box housing, a capsule housing removably positioned within the box housing, and at least one tray removably positioned within the capsule housing. The keepsake box provides parents with the capability to save their baby&#39;s most cherished possessions, eventually passing them onto the child when he or she becomes an adult.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/547,488 filed Aug. 18, 2017, whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understandingthe present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of theinformation provided herein is prior art nor material to the presentlydescribed or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or documentthat is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of receptacles andmore specifically relates to a receptacle for storing keepsakes therein.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Individuals may collect or retain various types of memorabilia, such as,for example, memorabilia related to items or events of interest,relative personal importance, and/or financial significance. Currently,many parents store their babies' first possessions, like shoes, jewelry,book, photo album, special outfit, and blanket, in a cardboard box, onlyto get lost and tucked away in a musty basement or cluttered attic. Someparents, especially new ones, may not even think to save thesepossessions, unaware of the meaning they will have years later.Additionally, some parents and children may drift apart as they growolder, losing the bond they once had. An effective alternative isneeded.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,108,791 to Stephanie L. Shirkey relates to a memorabiliastorage device. The described memorabilia storage device includes amemorabilia storage device for storing a plurality of items. The storagedevice may include a housing that has at least one sidewall thatgenerally defines a cavity and a lid. The storage device may alsoinclude a sleeve that is configured for placement within the cavity. Thesleeve is configured to receive a plurality of content holders. Theplurality of content holders may have a variety of different shapes,sizes, and configurations so as to be capable of storing a variety ofdifferent types of memorabilia. Additionally, various differentcombinations of the different sized content holders may be stored in thestorage device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Because of disadvantages inherent in the known receptacles art, thepresent disclosure provides a novel keepsake box. The general purpose ofthe present disclosure is to provide parents with a capacity to savetheir baby's most cherished possessions, eventually passing them on tothe baby when he or she becomes an adult.

A keepsake box is disclosed. The keepsake box includes a box housingwhich may include a box capacity defined by a box bottom, a box top, andfour side walls. The box housing may further include a box lid removablycovering the box top, the box lid may include a locking mechanismconfigured to selectively lock the box lid to the box housing. A capsulehousing may be removably contained within the box capacity. The capsulehousing may include a capsule capacity defined by an outer shell, acapsule bottom, and a capsule top. The capsule housing may furtherinclude a capsule lid removably covering the capsule top. Further, atleast one tray may be removably positioned within the capsule capacity.The at least one tray may include a tray capacity configured to store atleast one item.

A method of using the keepsake box is also disclosed herein. The methodof using the keepsake box may comprise the steps of providing thekeepsake box as above, unlocking the box lid via the locking mechanism,opening the box lid, removing the capsule housing from the box capacity,opening the capsule lid, removing the at least one tray from the capsulecapacity, placing the at least one item within the tray capacity,positioning the at least one tray back within the capsule capacity,closing the capsule lid, inserting the capsule housing back into the boxcapacity, closing the box lid, and locking the box lid via the lockingmechanism.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages,and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is tobe understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achievedin accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus,the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achievesor optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught hereinwithout necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught orsuggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to benovel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in theconcluding portion of the specification. These and other features,aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following drawings and detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specificationillustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, akeepsake box, constructed and operative according to the teachings ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the keepsake box during an ‘in-use’condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a front-side perspective view of the keepsake box of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a front-side perspective view of the keepsake box of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front-side perspective view of the keepsake box of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of the keepsake box of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a cut-away perspective view of the keepsake box of FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for keepsake box,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will be described inthe appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate toreceptacles and more particularly to a keepsake box as used to improvethe receptacle for storing keepsakes therein.

Generally, a treasure box may include a lock on an exterior. On aninterior, the box may have a removable capsule with compartmental traysto preserve and protect possessions from damage or destruction, unlikestandard cardboard boxes. This may further enhance the bond betweenparents and children as they grow older. The treasure box may comprise atime capsule for parents to save special baby items, including a baby'sfirst pair of shoes, jewelry, a photo album, a baby's first book, aspecial outfit, and more.

The treasure box may measure 10 inches wide, 10 inches high and 8 inchesin depth. An exterior of the treasure box may resemble a treasure boxwith a lock on the front, with accompanying key. The treasure box mayinclude a hinged-lid which may allow the treasure box to be open andclosed often. Inside the box may be a tube-shaped capsule. The capsulemay have a lid and may be opened on the top. Ribbon located on sides ofthe capsule may assist users in its removal by simply pulling up. Thecapsule may open to reveal two compartmental trays, creating threelayers of storage space. On sides of the trays, looped ribbons may belocated and again may assist users in their removal.

A first tray may measure approximately 2 inches in depth and mayaccommodate a photo album, favorite book, or other similar book oralbum. However, it should be appreciated that other dimensions arecontemplated. A second tray may also measure 2 inches in depth and maybe divided into 5-6 compartments to accommodate items, such as a baby'sfirst pair of shoes, jewelry, or any special item the parents think arenoteworthy to save. The third layer, or the empty space on the bottom ofthe capsule, may accommodate a special outfit, a small blanket, or ababy's favorite small stuffed toy. The bottom of the capsule may measure4 inches in depth. The first tray and the second tray may be designed tolock into each other. Further, the second tray may be positioned above alever to hold up the tray and create the third layer.

Further, on a top of the box, there may be a logo “BBOX: Baby Box, acollection of giggles, hugs, and kisses.” Further, on top of the box maybe a line for a baby's name and date of birth to personalize the box.When the box is opened, parents may be able to see the capsule. Whilethe box in time capsule may have any color, in some examples the box ortime capsule may have a color selected from baby blue, pastel pink,pastel green, white, or soft tan. The time capsule may match the box'scolor. Each box may be covered in a soft matching-colored linen toprotect the box and capsule and strengthen its durability. The treasurebox may include a high gloss appearance constructed from a white cedarwood, similar to a vinyl appearance. The exact specifications may varyon manufacturing.

Referring more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference,FIGS. 1-5 show various views of a keepsake box 100.

FIG. 1 shows a keepsake box 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated,the keepsake box 100 may include a box housing 110, a capsule housing120, and at least one tray 130. As shown, the keepsake box 100 may beused for storing at least one item 5. The at least one item 5 may bememorabilia; particularly, memorabilia associated with the life andgrowth of a baby.

According to one embodiment, the keepsake box 100 may be arranged as akit 105. The kit 105 may include a set of user instructions 107. Theinstructions 107 may detail functional relationships in relation to thestructure of the keepsake box 100 (such that the keepsake box 100 can beused, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner).

FIGS. 2A-2B show front-side perspective views of the keepsake box 100 ofFIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The boxhousing 110 may include a box capacity 112 defined by a box bottom 114,a box top 116, and four side walls 118. The box housing 110 may furtherinclude an outer surface 144 that may be covered in a protectivematerial 119 configured to not only protect the outer surface 144 of thebox housing 110 but also to provide an aesthetically pleasingappearance. In one embodiment, the protective material 119 may be alinen material. In other embodiments, the protective material 119 may besilk, satin, cotton, etc. Further, the box housing 110 may include ahigh gloss appearance.

As shown, the outer surface 144 of the box housing 110 may include nameindicia 115. This name indicia 115 may be the baby's full name,nickname, initials, etc. Further, the outer surface 144 of the boxhousing 110 may further include data indicia 117. This data indicia 117may be a date of birth of the baby. Further, as mentioned above, theouter surface 144 of the box housing 110 may include a logo. The logomay read: “BBOX: Baby Box, a collection of giggles, hugs, and kisses.”

The box housing 110 may further include a box lid 111 removably coveringthe box top 116. In one embodiment, the box lid 111 may be attached tothe box housing 110 via a hinge (not shown). The box lid 111 may includea locking mechanism 113 configured to selectively lock the box lid 111to the box housing 110. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 113 maybe a lock and key. More than one key may be provided for providing aplurality of users with access to the box housing 110 (for example, amother, a father, and the baby). In other embodiments, more than onelock may be provided with different keys so that opening the box housing110 requires more than one key. Other locking mechanisms 113 may also becontemplated such as keycards, tokens, coins, etc., and biometricsensors or data such as fingerprints, face scans, eye scans, etc.

FIG. 3 shows a front-side perspective view of the keepsake box 100 ofFIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thecapsule housing 120 may be removably contained within the box capacity112. The capsule housing 120 including a capsule capacity 122 defined byan outer shell 124, a capsule bottom 126 and a capsule top 128. Thecapsule housing may further include a capsule lid 121 removably coveringthe capsule top 128. The outer shell 124 of the capsule housing 120 mayinclude a first removal means 123 configured to aid in removal of thecapsule housing 120 from the box capacity 112. In one embodiment, thefirst removal means 123 may be a ribbon. Preferably, the capsule housing120 may include two ribbons located on opposite sides of the capsulehousing 120 to allow a user to grasp the ribbons and pull to remove thecapsule housing 120 from the box capacity 112. In one embodiment, thecapsule housing 120 may include a tube shape. Further, the capsulehousing 120 may include characteristics similar to the box housing 110,such as materials, appearance, color, design, etc.

FIGS. 4A-4B show top and cutaway perspective views of the keepsake box100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Theat least one tray 130 may be removably positioned within the capsulecapacity 122 and may include a tray capacity 132 configured to store theat least one item 5. As discussed above, the at least one item 5 may bethe memorabilia associated with the life and growth of a baby such as afirst pair of shoes, jewelry, a photo album, a baby's first book, aspecial outfit, etc. In one embodiment, the at least one tray 130 maycomprise a first tray 134 and a second tray 136. In one embodiment, thefirst tray 134 and the second tray 136 may be configured to locktogether.

The first tray 134 may include a depth 131 of at least 2 inches sizedand configured to accommodate the photo album, a baby's first book, orother similarly sized items. However, other sizes are contemplated forthe first tray 134. The second tray 136 may be divided into at least twocompartments 133. Preferably, the second tray 136 may include between5-7 compartments. But the number of compartments is not limited to aminimum of 2 or a maximum of 7. These compartments may accommodate itemssuch as a first pair of shoes, jewelry, or any special item. Inaddition, as shown, the first tray 134 may include a second removalmeans 142 configured to aid in removal of the first tray 134 from thecapsule capacity 122, and similarly, the second tray 136 may include athird removal means 143 configured to aid in removal of the second tray136 from the capsule capacity 122. Preferably, the second removal means142 and the third removal means 143 may be looped ribbon. There may bethe looped ribbon located at opposite sides of the first tray 134 andthe second tray 136 to act as handles for the user to grasp and pull.

As shown, the first tray 134 and the second 136 together may definethree storage levels 135 within the capsule housing 120 when removablycontained within the capsule capacity 122. The three storage levels mayinclude a first storage level 137—and the first tray 134 may define thefirst storage level 137, a second storage level—and the second tray 136may define the second storage level 138, and a third storage level139—and the third storage level 139 may be defined by a space 141between the second tray 136 and the capsule bottom 126. This space 141may be used to store items such as a special outfit, a small blanket, astuffed animal/toy, etc. In one embodiment, the second tray 136 may sitatop a lever to hold the second tray 136 and create the space 141defining the third storage level 139.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 550 illustrating a method of using a keepsakebox 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Asillustrated, the method of using a keepsake box 500 may include thesteps of providing 501 the keepsake box 100 as above; unlocking 502 thebox lid 111 via the locking mechanism 113; opening 503 the box lid 111;removing 504 the capsule housing 120 from the box capacity 112; opening505 the capsule lid 121; removing 506 the at least one tray 130 from thecapsule capacity 122; placing 507 the at least one item 5 within thetray capacity 132; positioning 508 the at least one tray 130 back withinthe capsule capacity 122; closing 509 the capsule lid 121; inserting 510the capsule housing 120 back into the box capacity 112; closing 511 thebox lid 111; and locking 512 the box lid 111 via the locking mechanism113.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can becarried out in many different orders according to user preference. Notall embodiments necessarily use all steps. The use of “step of” shouldnot be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is notintended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should alsobe noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issuesas design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost,structural requirements, available materials, technological advances,etc., other methods for keepsake box 100 (e.g., different step orderswithin above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps,including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taughtherein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary andnumerous modifications, variations, and rearrangements can be readilyenvisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which areintended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application.

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended claims:
 1. A keepsake box comprising: a boxhousing including a box capacity defined by a box bottom, a box top, andfour side walls, and further including a box lid removably covering thebox top and including a locking mechanism configured to selectively lockthe box lid to the box housing; a capsule housing removably containedwithin the box capacity and including a capsule capacity defined by anouter shell, a capsule bottom, and a capsule top, and further includinga capsule lid removably covering the capsule top; and at least one trayremovably positioned within the capsule capacity and including a traycapacity configured to store at least one item.
 2. The keepsake box ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one tray comprises a first tray and asecond tray.
 3. The keepsake box of claim 2 wherein the first tray andthe second tray together define first, second, and third storage levelswithin the capsule housing when contained within the capsule capacity.4. The keepsake box of claim 2 wherein the first tray has a depth of atleast 2 inches.
 5. The keepsake box of claim 2 wherein the second trayis divided into at least two compartments.
 6. The keepsake box of claim5 wherein the second tray includes between 5-7 compartments.
 7. Thekeepsake box of claim 3 wherein the first tray defines the first storagelevel.
 8. The keepsake box of claim 3 wherein the second tray definesthe second storage level.
 9. The keepsake box of claim 3 wherein a spacebetween the second tray and the capsule bottom defines the third storagelevel.
 10. The keepsake box of claim 1 wherein the outer shell of thecapsule housing includes a first removal means configured to aid inremoving the capsule housing.
 11. The keepsake box of claim 10 whereinthe first removal means is a ribbon.
 12. The keepsake box of claim 2wherein the first tray includes a second removal means configured to aidin removing the first tray.
 13. The keepsake box of claim 2 wherein thesecond tray includes a third removal means configured to aid in removingthe second tray.
 14. The keepsake box of claim 13 wherein the secondremoval means and the third removal means are a looped ribbon.
 15. Thekeepsake box of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of the box housingincludes name indicia.
 16. The keepsake box of claim 15 wherein theouter surface of the box housing further includes date indicia.
 17. Thekeepsake box of claim 1 wherein a protective material covers the outersurface of the box housing.
 18. A keepsake box comprising: a box housingincluding a box capacity defined by a box bottom, a box top, and fourside walls and further including a box lid removably covering the boxtop, the box lid including a locking mechanism configured to selectivelylock the box lid to the box housing; a capsule housing removablycontained within the box capacity and including a capsule capacitydefined by an outer shell, a capsule bottom and a capsule top, andfurther including a capsule lid removably covering the capsule top, theouter shell of the capsule housing including a first removal meansconfigured to aid in removing the capsule housing; a first trayremovably positioned within the capsule capacity and including a firsttray capacity configured to store at least one item, the first trayfurther including a second removal means configured to aid in removingthe first tray; and a second tray removably positioned within thecapsule capacity and including a second tray capacity configured tostore another at least one item and further including a third removalmeans configured to aid in removing the second tray, the second traybeing divided into at least two compartments, wherein the first tray andthe second tray define first, second, and third storage levels withinthe capsule housing when disposed in the capsule capacity, the firsttray defines the first storage level, the second tray defines the secondstorage level, a space between the second tray and the capsule bottomdefines the third storage level, an outer surface of the box housingincludes name and date indicia, and a protective material covers theouter surface of the box.
 19. The keepsake box of claim 18 furthercomprising a set of instructions wherein the keepsake box andinstructions are arranged as a kit.
 20. A method of using a keepsake boxcomprising the steps of: providing the keepsake box wherein the keepsakebox includes: a box housing including a box capacity defined by a boxbottom, a box top, and four side walls, and further including a box lidremovably covering the box top, the box lid including a lockingmechanism configured to selectively lock the box lid to the box housing;a capsule housing removably contained within the box capacity, thecapsule housing including a capsule capacity defined by an outer shell,a capsule bottom, and a capsule top, and further including a capsule lidremovably covering the capsule top; and at least one tray removablypositioned within the capsule capacity, the at least one tray includinga tray capacity configured to store at least one item; unlocking the boxlid via the locking mechanism; opening the box lid; removing the capsulehousing from the box capacity; opening the capsule lid; removing the atleast one tray from the capsule capacity; placing the at least one itemwithin the tray capacity; positioning the at least one tray back withinthe capsule capacity; closing the capsule lid; inserting the capsulehousing back into the box capacity; closing the box lid; and locking thebox lid via the locking mechanism.